Elements4Life, one of the most recommended gyms in Belconnen. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
People join gyms for many reasons. You might want to get fit or maintain fitness levels. Perhaps you want to lose weight or bulk up. You might even want to join a gym to meet new friends or experience new fitness routines.
If you’re looking to join a gym in Belconnen, you have plenty of options. However, choosing the best one can be time consuming and even daunting. That’s because there are so many types on the market. Memberships also vary widely, in price and detail.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a gym, and share where to find the best in Belconnen.
What makes a great gym?
The choice of a great gym is personal. The best gym supports your fitness levels and fitness goals, no matter what your age or lifestyle. You might want a gym that has a great vibe. You may want to try new things and connect with others.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a gym in Belconnen:
- Top-quality equipment. The equipment in a gym can make or break your experience. The best gyms are stocked with a wide variety of well-maintained equipment that is clean and fully functional.
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff. The quality of staff is important to your gym experience. A gym with friendly, knowledgeable staff will give you confidence that you’ll get great value out of your membership. You’ll want a gym with staff who have your back and can answer questions.
- Flexible and affordable. Select a gym with a flexible, affordable membership. That’s a membership in line with your goals and budget. Carefully check terms and conditions. Ask about length of membership, what’s included and whether there are restrictions.
- Organised and hygienic. Choose a gym that’s clean, neat and organised. This will make your workout more efficient. It will also make you comfortable knowing your gym is meticulous about hygiene and presentation.
- Welcoming, friendly atmosphere. There’s nothing worse than working out in a gym where you feel uncomfortable. Look for a gym that welcomes people from all walks of life. Choose one that is friendly and motivating.
The best gyms in Belconnen
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Elements4Life
Elements4Life, affectionately known as E4L, is a market leader in delivering functional training programs in Canberra. E4L specialises in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-volume interval training (HVIT), variable-intensity interval training (VIIT), strength cycles, personal training and semi-private training, always focusing on personal growth and movement quality.
E4L is about experience, teamwork and community vibe, as well as driving better results using science backed programming and well-structured workouts.
The E4L team believes training and health is a lifestyle choice and they’re passionate about working with like-minded members who live by the same values.
In Canberra, E4L leads the way in trademarked modular functional training systems and multi-experience services – Smart™ Experiences and Elements4Life for Harrison gym members and multiple Smart™ training experiences for Belconnen members.
Each unique E4L Smart™ training experience is built on scientific principles catering for multiple training styles, personal space compliancy and personal preferences. Multiple training experiences are offered. All Smart™ experiences have a cap on space so everyone has room to move when training.
E4L’s coaches are highly trained and experienced, each with a Certificate IV in Fitness, at a minimum, and a Master Functional Trainer certification.
The motivating and enthusiastic E4L team are market leaders in fitness experiences, compliancy, hygiene, innovation and facilitation. Their approach that’s smarter by definition and better in execution.
As satisfied member Jacqui Carswell wrote on Riotact “E4L is definitely the best gym in Canberra. I have been a member since we came out of the COVID lockdown and Joe, Erin and Sab have supported me to work hard and feel great.”
BodyBlitz Fitness
BodyBlitz Fitness is an affordable, well-equipped gym, catering for all ages and fitness levels 24/7, in a secure training environment. All members receive a free introductory personal program, use of all weights, equipment and amenities. Also free parking. BodyBlitz Fitness promises to take members to the next level.
Patrick William wrote on Google, “I've been coming to this gym for over 10 years. The owner is really knowledgeable, passionate, approachable and happy to give advice …”
CrossFit Three Flow
With classes every day, as well as tailored individual and group training, CrossFit Three Flow caters to all fitness levels. With a specialist focus on technique, you’ll learn exactly how to move your body to boost your fitness while minimising the risk of injury. The friendly, passionate coaches are all fully qualified with years of on-the-job experience.
See what Sam Vernon wrote in their Google review of CrossFit Three Flow, "CrossFit Three Flow is legit. (...) Made to feel super welcome, easy to arrange drop in classes, great equipment and the coaching was great. Highly recommend if you are looking to try CrossFit, looking for a new gym in Canberra or in the city for a short time."
Adapt Crossfit
For more than a decade, Adapt CrossFit has been helping people in the Belconnen area get fitter and stronger, faster. Adapt CrossFit provides high-intensity classes early morning, mid-morning, and evening. Dedicated to a supportive environment, Adapt Crossfit hosts monthly catch ups to keep members motivated and on track.
Sam Reid wrote on Google, “Adapt Crossfit is honestly the best gym I've been a part of. The classes are fun, varied, and challenging. The coaches are highly trained …”
Fernwood Belconnen
Fernwood Belconnen is a gym women love. It’s a supportive, inclusive, female-empowering club. Members lift weights, flow in yoga, sweat in FIIT30, cycle their hearts out, and share a lot of laughs. A wide range of membership benefits are on offer, including unlimited group fitness classes, a free breakfast and free toiletries.
On Google, Daniel Kardum wrote, “I’ve been part of Fernwood for just over a year, the longest amount of time I have ever held a gym membership for … The classes are fun …”
If you’re looking for more information on gyms and other ways to get in shape, you might like our articles on the best high-intensity interval training classes, best CrossFit gyms, best martial arts schools, best yoga studios, best Pilates studios and best boxing gyms the ACT has to offer.
Your experience with gyms in Belconnen
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the gyms in Belconnen listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a great gym?
A great gym should be well equipped and offer quality amenities. It should also have professional, friendly staff and trainers. The best gyms have a wide range of classes covering all fitness levels, and a vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also want a gym that is neat, organised and hygienic.
How often should I go to the gym?
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about the number of times to head to the gym each week. Many people go at least once a week and some more frequently. The number of times depends on many factors. One is your fitness goal and how quickly you want to see results. Another factor is whether you have physical issues requiring you to go more or less often. Remember: it’s important to prevent injury, so pace yourself.
How much does it cost to go to a gym?
The cost of going to a gym is determined by many factors. Cost varies from gym to gym. Factors influencing cost include whether you want a full membership with all the perks and total flexibility, or whether you’re happy with a pared-back membership. It’s best to conduct research to compare details. You might also want to talk to a gym representative to make sure you’re interpreting details correctly.
Are gyms worth the membership price?
One thing is for sure: buying a membership and not going to the gym is a waste of money. Remember that gym memberships are priced on factors such as services, amenities, equipment and scheduling (with off-peak times often more economical). Lower-tiered memberships can, for example, give you access to the basics and some classes. Higher-tiered memberships might include access to extras like special discounts. Also check what amenities come with your membership, such as steam rooms and pools.
What should I do at the gym?
It can be overwhelming when first going to a gym. This includes deciding what exercises to do, what classes might be of interest, and what equipment is best for your fitness goals. Your best step forward is to talk to staff and ask for ideas based on your fitness level. Some gyms offer quick tutorials on equipment use and some provide you with a workout schedule.
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